The former Celtic winger has signed a long term deal to return to his hometown club at the end of the season, following in the footsteps of his good friend and current Dundalk teammate Patrick McEleney.
It's a mouth-watering signing for Derry City fans as Higgins builds a formidable looking team capable of challenging for a first league title since 1997.
Since taking over the Brandywell reigns last April, Higgins has guided Derry from bottom of the table to fourth place, just three points behind the automatic European qualification spots.
He's brought in striker Jamie McGonigle from Crusaders, Junior Ogedi-Uzokwe on loan from Dundalk, Bastien Hery on loan from Bohemians and former Portsmouth youngster Gerard Storey until the end of the 2022 season.
There's been mounting speculation that Dundalk's Will Patching and Bohs striker Georgie Kelly are also on Higgins' radar and could potentially be making a return to Brandywell next year. With that in mind, we've taken a look at what would be an exciting Derry City starting XI.
. The future's bright, it's red and white
Derry City fans can get excited about next season's campaign as Ruaidhri Higgins has begun to assemble a top class squad.
. The future's bright, it's red and white
Nathan Gartside has produced some top class saves and performances this season. He'll be hopeful of keeping that No.1 shirt.
. The future's bright, it's red and white
Skipper Eoin Toal keeps going from strength to strength. He will be a key player for Derry next year providing he's not snapped up by a cross-channel club.
. The future's bright, it's red and white
Cameron McJannet has formed an outstanding partnership with Eoin Toal. He's already signed up for next season.
. The future's bright, it's red and white
Ciaran Coll has been a solid performer since arriving from Finn Harps and he's helped steady the ship in a back three under Higgins.
. The future's bright, it's red and white
The 2022 campaign will be a big year for Jack Malone who will be hoping to nail down a regular starting berth.
. The future's bright, it's red and white
Danny Lafferty has been a real attacking threat this season as left wingback and his professionalism and winning mentality has been key this year.
. The future's bright, it's red and white
Ciaron Harkin signed a two-and-a-half year contract in the summer and will be key to Higgins' plans in the centre of the park.
. The future's bright, it's red and white
Will Patching was an integral part of Derry City's revival before returning to Dundalk. He's out of contract at the end of season. Could he be Brandywell-bound?
. The future's bright, it's red and white
Ronan Boyce has been one of the outstanding performers of the season at right wingback. He will only get better!
1. The future's bright, it's red and white
Nathan Gartside has produced some top class saves and performances this season. He'll be hopeful of keeping that No.1 shirt.
2. The future's bright, it's red and white
Skipper Eoin Toal keeps going from strength to strength. He will be a key player for Derry next year providing he's not snapped up by a cross-channel club.
3. The future's bright, it's red and white
Cameron McJannet has formed an outstanding partnership with Eoin Toal. He's already signed up for next season.
4. The future's bright, it's red and white
Ciaran Coll has been a solid performer since arriving from Finn Harps and he's helped steady the ship in a back three under Higgins.